So amazing!

I have the neatest story! I have had the privilege of meeting some of the most interesting people on my many journeys thus far in my life. But none have stood out more than my chance meeting with two beautiful European girls who were studying abroad in the U.S. and living in (of all places) Olney. Marianne, from Switzerland, and Katja, from Germany, became two of my fast friends and we had the opportunity to spend some very fun times together! We would sit for hours at our favorite coffee shop talking about the differences in our two worlds. We went shopping and even had a sleep over complete with all of the essential "girl time" rituals like fixing each others hair, talking about boys and laughing until our stomachs hurt.

When the time came and their study ended I was very sad to see them go but POSITIVE that we would stay in contact. Unfortuatnely my life got in the way and I lost track of them. Until...a few months ago Marianne and I found each other on Facebook. We have been e-mailing back and forth and I can't believe we've picked up right where we left off! She is the sweetest person and has a whole new beautiful life back in Switzerland! She told me a few weeks ago she was sending me something in the mail. I would be so excited to get a letter but instead she sent me a complete goody package. Inside she also placed a book of places in Switzerland and on the inside cover she wrote, "To Helen, Switzerland - where you'll always have a friend. love Marianne."

It's my job now to send her a little piece of the U.S. She says she misses milk duds, American Eagle, Old Navy, Bath and Body Works and Dairy Queen...so maybe some of those things will be in my package to her!

I just find it amazing that when you least expect it someone that you didn't even know you missed can come back into your life and make you realize that in fact you missed them dearly! I hope we can stay in contact for the rest of our lives. AND it has been my dream to make it back to Europe someday so maybe, just maybe Marianne and I will share another cup of coffee someday! :)